May 2019

28 n INTERNET OF THINGS May 2019 www.drivesncontrols.com What does the IoT mean for UK manufacturing? A round the world, technology experts and the media have focused a great deal of attention on the Internet of Things (IoT). Some marvel at its ability to make the lives of consumers easier. Others worry that an increasingly digitally automated world will no longer need as many jobs in manufacturing and other sectors. The reality is somewhat different. Developments such as IoT are not designed to replace the working man and woman, but rather to support them, and to achieve enhanced efficiency, safety and productivity. IoT is one of the most talked about – but least understood – trends in modern manufacturing. It could be argued that manufacturing leads the way in terms of IoT applications, and has embraced IoT technology and advances faster than any other sector. Use of the IoT has helped thousands of companies to improve their competitive edge, while providing a huge boost to productivity. IBM defines IoT as “the concept of connecting any device (so long as it has an on/off switch) to the Internet and to other connected devices. The IoT is a giant network of connected things and people – all of which collect and share data about the way they are used and about the environment around them.” This general definition covers a global marketplace of increasingly interconnected devices designed to save time, money, and effort. In 2016, the manufacturing sector spent more than $178bn globally on IoT technology – more than twice as much as that spent by the second-largest sector, transportation. Despite the media focus on home and consumer applications, industry has embraced the IoT to a far greater extent. Companies use IoT for a variety of purposes. According to the US telecommunications firm, Verizon, more than three-quarters of companies that have invested in IoT claim that it has helped them to develop insights into market trends and tendencies, while two-thirds say it has served as a critical factor in expanding their competitive advantage. The IoT’s most obvious applications in manufacturing are in the form of sensors and other devices that monitor production processes, safety and other issues. However, there are other applications which also help to support manufacturing – in warehouses, for example. Mail order companies, such as Amazon, operate massive distribution centres and for years have been using IoT technologies to increase efficiency. Manufacturing is benefiting from the same technology when it comes to product storage and distribution. Data collection One of the basic functions of IoT lies in the harvesting, categorising, analysis and application of data. When used well, data can help businesses to react more precisely and with more flexibility to market changes. More than a third of manufacturers have already implemented IoT systems for data collection. IoT-based devices can also create efficiencies by monitoring production lines. Sensors can keep track of both human and The Internet of Things is discussed widely, but not always understood. Martin Thomas, European marketing manager at Radwell International, examines the implications of the IoT for manufacturing in the UK.